Gill reigns supreme in epic final showdown

Reigning Champion Andy Gill took to the court for the defence of his Galashiels Squash Club Championship title against a constantly improving Luis Molero.

Many had Molero written off before the final and the gulf in quality seemed evident as Gill took the first game relatively quickly 9-2.

Molero had other ideas however and, despite Gill romping to a 3-0 lead, his enthusiasm and determination saw him fight for every point and reach shots lesser mortals would have gave up on to take the game 9-4.

The third game saw some long rallies and awesome squash. Stamina and concentration were the deciding factors and this one went the way of Gill 9-2.

In the fourth game Molero used his key shot, an excellent overhead backhand return of serve, which Gill could find no answer to. Some accurate and powerful serves ensured Molero levelled the match with a 9-4 victory.

Molero served first in the decider and immediately found fatigue kicking. Gill capitalised by taking a 3-0 lead relatively quickly. And, although Molero nearly burnt a hole in his soles running for every ball, Gill became only the fourth man in the history of the club to successfully defend their maiden title, taking the last game 9-2.

Match umpire Del Sharratt said: “The quality of squash on display was the best I have seen for some time, all credit to both players.”

More squash on page 73.

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